Summary
Civilization 7is awash with potential. It’s been nearly eight years since the release of the last entry in the series, and the gaming industry has changed quite a bit in that time, with a number ofCivilization-style gamesrising to prominence and iterating upon 2K’s seminal series. That said, given the advancements made in terms of both gaming technology and design,Civ 7should strive to remain competitive by implementing new concepts, and it can find some easy inspiration in anotherSid Meier’sgame:Sid Meier’s Pirates.
Piratesis an open-world strategy game released in 2004. It shares a number of similarities with theCivilizationgames, such as open-ended choices, resource management, and historical adaptation. But, as its name would suggest, it is far more focused in its choice of subject matter. Instead of allowing players to move through multiple millenia and significant periods of human history,Piratesis limited to eras and locales that fit with the privateer theme. These restrictions make for an experience that is far less diverse and expansive, but just asCivilization 7can learn from bigger games likeStellaris, so too can it adapt elements of the smaller-scalePirates.
How Drawing from Sid Meier’s Pirates Could Help Civlization 7
Pirate Roleplaying in Civilization 7
The idea of pirates being properly included in the nextCivilizationgame almost feels like a no-brainer. 2020 saw the release of a multiplayer scenario forCiv 6built around pirates, in which players could assume the role of various privateer groups in the employ of countries like France and Spain, which landed well with many fans. This multiplayer mode presented some fun ideas, but it is ultimately a limited, 60-turn novelty game mode released four years after the base game;Civilization 7could take the idea much further.
There are a number of ways that pirates could be effectively implemented inCiv 7. Perhaps the most obvious route would be to feature a prominent pirate from real-world history asone ofCivilization 7’s leaders. This would let players build a playthrough around specific parameters, focusing more on naval domination and military strength than land ownership, science or culture. This approach could have additional depth as well, especially if it draws directly fromPirates, which allowed players to eschew violence in favor of trade. This mercantile path could change with the eras ofCiv 7, with new forms of sea and air transport becoming available, alongside different types of goods.
Possible Civilization 7 Pirate Leaders
Adapting Sid Meier’s Pirates Within Civilization 7
A different and significantly more ambitious idea would be to essentially put thePiratesgame intoCivilization 7. Since a full-fledged pirate society would invevitably limitthe types ofCivilizationvictoriesavailable to players, it may be best to include a wide slew of pirate units, perhaps locked to countries that actually formed and funded privateers throughout history. Through these units, players could engage with many of the systems present inPirates, following a single pirate leader who ages over time, finds a spouse, engages in independent trade, and recruits crew members. There’s even a real-time fencing minigame inPiratesthat could be polished and brought over in some form forCiv 7, making for a refreshing change of pace in terms of gameplay.
The sea has always heldpotential inCivilizationgames, allowing players opportunities to strengthen their military strength, trade, food production, and energy acquisition. By adding proper pirates into the mix, while still keeping the emphasis on the series' classic strategy gameplay,Civilization 7can further expand its nautical and roleplaying options.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
